Linda Nzabamwita was born in Rwanda and lived there until she came to St. Thomas this fall to study public health. “I may not know things about American football, but I have a very different perspective of life,” Nzabamwita said. “I do think I bring a change in perspective to other students in the classroom being the only Rwandese.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Nzabamwita reflects on April 7, 22 years after the Rwandan Genocide. “This is a day of mourning for me and my whole country. So for me not being there, it takes something away,” Nzabamwita said. (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Economics student Zoë Bonnet was born in Japan but lived in Singapore for most of her life. “I wish people could come to Singapore and see what it is like because it’s not what many people think Asia to be,” Bonnet said. “It is very westernized culture; I miss it.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Freshman Mari Holand was born in Trondheim, Norway and studies psychology at St. Thomas. “I want St. Thomas students to know that wool is the best thing that can keep you warm,” Holand said. “So listen to the Norwegians when they say it is the best because it is.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Holand said people are more outgoing in Minnesota than she’s used to. “If you are on the bus in Norway, people won’t sit next to you. It is more of an inclusive environment here,” Holand said. (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Sophomore Cecilia Ogulla was born in Nairobi, Kenya and currently studies physics at St. Thomas. “I would urge people to be more globally aware and step out of their American bubbles,” Ogulla said. “Go visit other places, learn another language – not just a few words but really indulge yourself in another culture.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Ogulla said the transition from Kenya to Minnesota was difficult for her. “I like living next to water; where I am from, my village, is right next to the lake,” Ogulla said. “It is calming and relaxing. I hate mosquitos but that’s okay.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Political science major Muhannad Alkathini was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “The culture is totally different,” Alkathini said. “In Saudi, we usually go to each other’s houses without calling. We would just knock on the door to our friend’s house whenever if we wanted to see them. Here you have to call first and see if you can come over. That is different.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Sophomore biology student Chelsea Balthazar was born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, an island country surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Balthazar is the first and only person from her island to attend The University of St. Thomas. (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Balthazar describes the West Indian Islands as one big melting pot. “One thing that I want people to know about Caribbean people in general is although we are all separated by water…when we come together we are like one big melting pot; we are united in that way.” Balthazar said. (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Congo native Sarah Kamba Binamu is a sophomore studying business at St. Thomas. “I want people to know that I am also like them,” Binamu said. “I am not different, maybe my skin color can be different, but I am just like them.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Binamu said that while her accent sets her apart from other St. Thomas students, she appreciates being treated as an equal. “Maybe my accent also sets me apart from them,” Binamu said. “But I just want them to treat me as I was one of them.” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Lorna Nakabuye was born in Kampala, Uganda and studies psychology at St. Thomas. “The Africa they see on TV is not exactly what Africa is,” Nakabuye said. “What they know is what they see on CNN and BBC: We are poor, we don’t have clothes, we live in huts. That is the picture people have of Africa, but then they go there and it’s the same (as the United States).” (Meghan Vosbeek/TommieMedia)
Meghan Vosbeek can be reached at vosb0005@stthomas.edu.
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